A recent attack by Israeli settlers on the West Bank village of Kafr Malek has drawn widespread condemnation, with a rights group formed by Israeli veterans describing the incident as a “routine in hell”.
Breaking the Silence, an organization that monitors abuses of Palestinians in the occupied territory, has highlighted the disturbing pattern of events that unfolded during the attack. According to the group, the settlers arrived in the village on Wednesday, destroying Palestinian property and shooting at residents.
The Israeli military then arrived on the scene, ostensibly to maintain order, but instead, they shot at Palestinian residents who were attempting to protect their homes and families from the settler attack. This sequence of events is all too familiar, according to Breaking the Silence, which has documented numerous instances of settler violence and military inaction in the occupied West Bank.
The aftermath of the attack has been marked by controversy, with Israeli police releasing five settlers who were held as suspects in the violence without charge.
The attack resulted in the deaths of three Palestinians, a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict. The description of the events as a “routine in hell” by Breaking the Silence underscores the sense of despair and frustration that many feel about the situation in the occupied territories.
The incident highlights the complex and often fraught relationships between Israeli settlers, the military, and Palestinian residents in the West Bank.
The role of the Israeli military in responding to settler violence has been a subject of controversy, with many accusing the military of failing to protect Palestinian civilians.
The events in Kafr Malek are a stark reminder of the need for accountability and action to address the root causes of the conflict. The International Community must also do more than threat on Israel. Appropriate sanctions must be meted out on Israel for this gross Violation of International laws.